Protest Hits Warri as Ijaws Demand Wike’s Dismissal as FCT Minister

A large protest has taken place in Warri, with hundreds of Ijaw people calling for the removal of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The demonstration followed a controversial comments by Wike about the Ijaw ethnic group, which many local residents have described as disrespectful.

Chanting slogans and holding banners, protesters filled the streets, calling for justice and greater respect for the Ijaw nation. Security forces were deployed to the area as tensions increased, though the situation remained under control.

Also, women from the Kalabari community in Rivers State expressed their anger by vandalising billboards bearing the image of Wike. These billboards were part of preparations for a grand reception in his honour, organised by Ijaw stakeholders under the NEW Associates platform. However, the event faced fierce resistance from Kalabari traditional rulers and local women, who had opposed a scheduled Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) meeting at the same venue.

On Saturday morning, hundreds of women, dressed in black with white scarves, gathered at the Abalama junction, blocking roads and tearing down the billboards. They carried placards with slogans such as “Kalabari, take your stand now!” and “Wike, what do you want in Kalabari land?” Security forces accompanying Wike cleared the roads, allowing his convoy to proceed into the area.

Despite the protests, the reception went ahead as planned. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the event’s publicity committee, defended Wike’s visit, calling him a “friend of the Kalabari kingdom.” He said local leaders and youths were excited about the visit, stating that the event was a thanksgiving service to recognise Wike’s contributions to the region.

Wike’s visit comes amid growing political tensions between the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the FCT minister and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is of Ijaw descent.